I think of February as “Love Your Heart Month” both emotionally and physically. There’s no better way to cultivate that love than with these Dark Chocolate Macaroons. You can make them in a snap, perfect for unexpected guests or cravings 🙂 Now that doesn’t mean you should stack a massive supply next to the remote control and settle in for the winter, even if you live in snow-bound New England! You can enjoy the glorious taste of dark chocolate guilt-free as long as you consume in moderation. So go ahead, indulge and here’s why.
The Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate!
Dark chocolate contains a high concentration of stearic acid (a saturated fatty acid with a neutral effect on cholesterol), essential minerals and most significantly, flavonoids. The latter are phytochemical plant pigments that act as natural antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals that can damage body tissue and cells. (Since dairy can interfere with the absorption of these antioxidants, only dark chocolate — not milk — offers benefits.) You want anything over 60% cacao.
These flavonoids help to prevent hardening of the arteries by hindering platelets from sticking together and improving the blood vessels’ flexibility. Minimally processed dark chocolate actually contains more flavonoids per gram than any other food tested so far, including green tea, red wine, and blueberries! There’s more good news: the high percentage of cocoa in dark chocolate also gives it a low-glycemic index. This means it produces only small fluctuations in blood glucose and insulin levels (diabetics, take note). Talk about good for you!